Are the leftist here really going to argue that the bureaucracy is impartial and nonpartisan? The bureaucracy is a stakeholder and acts accordingly. Of course they will favor the party that favors them.

That in the midst of this nobody could pull an example of a Progressive group dealing with this --- and, rest assured, they've been looking --- is evidence that it is unlikely much happened.

There are examples of progressive groups that faced extraordinary questions from the IRS tax exempt organization under the leadership of the selective discloser and serial mishandler - borderline criminal - of private taxpayer information, Lois Lerner.

However, these groups all had their applications approved for tax exempt status.

There are still, 4 years later, tea party groups that still have their applications for tax exempt status as under review.

Yes, and just as odd that Republicans supported the investigation, unlike Benghazi, IRS, Fast and Furious and other miscellaneous Democrat scandals. Democrats stick together, especially in Democrat scandals.

No shit Sherlock. Whatever motive democrat appointees had, the IRS has it's own motive--to continue to exist. A flat income tax would essentially destroy their power. Likewise would requiring the EPA to actually follow the law, not just make it up.

There are some great episodes of Yes Minister (and Yes, Prime Minister) where Hacker almost does reduce the bureaucracy. The expression on Humphrey's face makes the entire series worth it.

The Terminator: The Funding Bill is passed... Human decisions are removed... The bureaucracy begins to learn at a geometric rate. It becomes self-aware at 2:14 a.m. Eastern time, August 29th. In a panic, they try to pull the plug.

Republicans in Wisconsin need to start their own John Doe investigation of these left wing groups. Why they have not seems odd to me. Perhaps the Professor could explain this bissare John Doe state statute in her state. How are secret criminal investigations even possible? Seems quite Nazi like to me.

There's a great line in the movie "The Sand Pebbles" (Steve McQueen et al from 40 years ago).

McQueen is a machinist's mate on a USN Yangtze River gunboat who wants to dispense with the useless make work services of a Chinese "helper" in the engine room.

He's told that he can not do that because "you're breaking his rice bowl".

To the extent that it's not affirmatively destructive, useless make work describes much of what the federal bureaucracy does. And Tea Party and other conservative groups advocating for a smaller government are threatening to "break the bureaucrat's rice bowl". Unlike the hapless Chinese who served at the will of the US sailors, members of the federal mediocracy have the ability and the will to fight back to preserve their sinecures.

It's time for the GOP to declare open war on the IRS. God knows they won't be punished for opposing the most readily hated group in government. Slice them down to nothing and let that serve as an example to rest of the bureaucracy.

damikesc said...It's time for the GOP to declare open war on the IRS. God knows they won't be punished for opposing the most readily hated group in government. Slice them down to nothing and let that serve as an example to rest of the bureaucracy.

11/26/13, 12:17 PM

You write this as if the Republican party actually believes in smaller government and individual liberty which is in contrast to recent history.